Walter was now nearly sixteen years old. His frame was very powerful and
firmly knit. His dark brown hair was cut short, but, being somewhat longer
than was ordinary with the apprentices, fell with a slight wave back on his
forehead. His bearing was respectful, and at the same time independent.
There was none of that confusion which might be expected on the part of a
lad from the city in the presence of a lady of rank. His dark, heavy
eyebrows, resolute mouth, and square chin gave an expression of sternness
to his face, which was belied by the merry expression of his eyes and the
bright smile when he was spoken to.

"I have to thank you, young sir," she said, holding out her hand, which
Walter, after the custom of the time, raised to his lips, bending upon one
knee as he did so, "for the lives of myself and my daughter, which would
surely have been lost had you not jumped over to save us.

"I am glad that I arrived in time to be of aid," Walter said frankly; "but
indeed I am rather to be blamed than praised, for had I, when I heard the
plotting against the safety of the boat, told my master of it, as I should
have done, instead of taking the adventure upon mine own shoulders,
doubtless a boat would have been sent up in time to prevent the attack from
taking place. Therefore, instead of being praised for having arrived a
little too late, I should be rated for not having come there in time."

Dame Vernon smiled.

"Although you may continue to insist that you are to blame, this does not
alter the fact that you have saved our lives. Is there any way in which I
can be useful to you? Are you discontent with your state? For, in truth,
you look as if Nature had intended you for a gallant soldier rather than a
city craftsman. Earl Talbot, who is my uncle, would, I am sure, receive